HAMILTON — One of the more intriguing questions for Mercer County hoops fans got its answer Friday afternoon.

Trenton Catholic junior Malachi Richardson — who is rated by ESPN as the top 2015 prospect in New Jersey and the 12th-best in the nation — made a verbal commitment to play his college basketball at Syracuse.

At the end of November, Richardson cut his list to the Orange, UConn, Villanova, Arizona, Rutgers and Indiana after also being recruited by the likes of North Carolina, Georgetown, Ohio State and Kansas. The 6-foot-6 swingman thanked God, his family and his coaches at the press conference set up in TCA’s library before revealing his decision.

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“It’s been a long process for my family and I,” he said, “but after carefully considering all my options, I have decided to continue my education and basketball career at…”

That’s when he pulled a Syracuse baseball cap out from underneath the table, signifying his desire to play for the Orange.

“Jim Boeheim is a great coach, and I loved everything about Syracuse University,” he said. “I think that’s the best fit for me, and being able to have my parents there at the games because it’s not too far of a ride. I love everything about Syracuse University.”

Before the event, it was generally believed that Syracuse was the favorite with the Hoosiers a close second. That line of thinking proved sound.

“I would say Indiana,” he said, when asked for his runner-up. “Coach (Tom) Crean is a great coach and they have a great staff. Indiana is a great program and they have a great tradition there.”

Richardson and his mom Jacquie — who was also at the press conference along with Richardson’s father Lewis — visited Syracuse Dec. 3 and were in the Carrier Dome for the Orange’s 69-52 win over Indiana. Though Richardson said that the fact Syracuse won the game wasn’t a deciding factor, it was clear that the trip made an impact.

“It was a long process, but after we spoke to Jim Boeheim (after the Indiana game), he really closed the deal,” Jacqui Richardson said. “Everything he had to say about how he would fit into their program, how they would use him as a freshman and going into his sophomore year, maybe being there as a junior. He sold us on that program.”

“They really broke down the zone and the offensive scheme that they run with (guards) Trevor Cooney and Tyler Ennis,” he said. “I really fit in that system.”

The move also reunites Richardson with forward Tyler Roberson, who was his teammate on last year’s Roselle Catholic squad that won the Tournament of Champions. Roberson is currently averaging 3.4 points an 3.0 rebounds per game as a freshman for the Orange.

“I talked to Tyler Roberson after the visit, and he helped me out a lot too,” Richardson said. “After winning the state championship with him, that helped me out.”

Richardson spent just one season at Roselle, having played at TCA as a freshman and returning this season. Iron Mikes coach Fred Falchi said while he offered him the same advice that he gives all his players when looking at colleges — you need to like the coach, players and campus — Richardson didn’t need much guidance.

“I think he has had his process planned since he was born,” Falchi said. “We’ve noticed him since he was in third grade, and he’s just had one thing on his mind. It just shows that when you put your mind to something you can really do it. A lot of people talk it, but nobody sees what goes on behind the scenes and what these kids do.”

To underscore that point, when asked how he’d be celebrating that evening, Jacquie Richardson chimed in with the perfect one-word answer.

“Gym.”

About the Author

Trentonian sportswriter and utility man. New York Jets, Princeton basketball, Mercer/Bucks county high schools, Trenton Thunder. Tulane grad. Former Times-Picayune and NFL.com intern. Reach the author at nperuffo@trentonian.com
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